Don’t forget to create an account to save your answers!
Create Account
Print Page
Share
Copy Link 
Email 
Facebook 
X 
LinkedIn 
Pinterest The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps many older adults and young families pay for food. Once you're approved to receive SNAP benefits in Arkansas, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits transfer card (or EBT card).
An EBT card looks and works like a prepaid debit card. It can be used at grocery stores across Arkansas and at some online retailers to buy foods that are SNAP-eligible. Many farmers markets throughout the state also participate in SNAP, and you can use your EBT card there as another form of payment.
Frequently asked questions
- How does SNAP work in Arkansas?
- What is the application process like?
- How do I know if I'm eligible?
- What is SNAP Works?
- How do I prepare to apply?
- How do I apply for SNAP in Arkansas?
- What happens after I apply?
- How can I get help with my application?
- Other important tips to know
How does SNAP work?
What is the SNAP application process like in Arkansas?
While you may think applying for SNAP in Arkansas is too complicated or time-consuming, it isn’t as difficult as you might think.
Here is the process you can expect when applying for SNAP in Arkansas:
- Complete and submit your SNAP application. (anywhere from 30-60 minutes)
- Answer any follow-up questions to complete your application and get prepared for your SNAP interview.
- Conduct your SNAP interview with a caseworker from the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS).
- Await your SNAP benefits decision. (up to 30 days to process)
- Use your EBT card to purchase food. (after getting your benefits decision)
How do I know if I'm eligible for SNAP?
In Arkansas, to qualify for SNAP:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a legally admitted non-citizen.
- You must live in a lawful SNAP household, defined as people who live together and purchase food and prepare meals together.
- You must meet certain income and asset limits.
- Most people age 16 to 59 must follow specific work rules to get SNAP benefits.
The amount of money you will get in SNAP benefits depends on:
- How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
- How many people live with you
- Any assets you have (for example, cash in a bank account or property)
| Family size | Maximum monthly income in Arkansas |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,215 |
| 2 | $1,644 |
| 3 | $2,072 |
| 4 | $2,500 |
| 5 | $2,929 |
| For each additional person, add: | $429 |
The SNAP asset limit in Arkansas can't exceed $4,250 for households with at least one member who is age 60+ or who has a disability. The asset limit is $2,750 for all other households. Assets are "countable resources" like cash, money in a bank account, and certain vehicles.
It's important to understand there are allowable deductions, including those for excess medical expenses, that can help you meet the net income test. In addition, many assets—such as your home, if you own one—don't count toward the $4,250 resource limit. If this sounds confusing, don’t worry—DHS has experts whose job it is to help you understand SNAP rules and requirements in Arkansas.
What is SNAP Works?
What Is SNAP Works? Most Arkansas residents age 16 to 59 must register for work (meaning, sign up to show you’re interested in working) to be eligible for SNAP benefits. All able-bodied adults age 18 to 49 (who are not pregnant or the parent of a minor dependent child) must work at least 20 per week or participate in a work program to be eligible. DHS offers the SNAP Works program to help clients in Arkansas meet the work rules.
This employment and training program helps SNAP recipients get training for in-demand jobs that can help them earn more money. Some people may not have to work to get SNAP benefits, such as adults with a disability and people age 60 or older.
How do I prepare to apply?
When applying for SNAP in Arkansas, you’ll be asked for important details to help determine if you are eligible and the amount of SNAP benefits you get.
Before you start, gather the following information to make your SNAP application process easier:
- Amount of income you get from jobs and other sources
- Social Security numbers and birth dates of everyone who wants to apply
- Costs you pay for bills, such as rent, mortgage, water, gas, electric, sewage, and phone
- The value of items you pay for or own, such as vehicles, money in bank accounts, stocks, etc.
- Money you get or pay for child support
- Health insurance information
Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:
- Bank statements
- Pension statements
- Social Security statements
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Social Security card
- Driver's license or other government-issued I.D.
- Birth certificate
- Proof of household expenses (e.g., utilities, phone)
- Marriage license or divorce decree
If you are applying for Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) benefits, you must provide the following information:
- Information about people in your household
- Money you received during the disaster period
- Costs you paid during the disaster period
- Value of resources you own like cash, bank accounts, etc.
How do I apply for SNAP in Arkansas?
You can apply online for SNAP by going to the Arkansas Access website. Click on the "Apply Online" button below and click "Create a new account" if you are a new user. If you're a returning website user, simply enter your username and password to sign in to your account. Arkansas' online application process allows you to apply for SNAP, health care insurance, and Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) all at once.
Fill out as much of the application as you can. Be sure to give yourself enough time—it takes most people 30 to 60 minutes to finish. You don't have to complete it all at once; your application progress will be saved in your account so that you can return to work on it any time. You will also have the opportunity to upload digital copies of any documents requested (such as pay stubs or bank statements). Note: After 60 days of inactivity, your unfinished Arkansas SNAP application and any files you uploaded will be deleted.
If you do not speak English, have a hearing impairment, or have a disability, you can check a box in your application that tells DHS what kind of assistance you need (such as an interpreter, sign language, TDD/TTY phone number, or assistive listening device). You can also call Client Assistance at 1-800-482-8988 for support.
Watch a video tutorial on applying for Arkansas SNAP and other benefits online.
While you may be worried about sharing your personal information online, you should know SNAP applications are protected by special security technology that keeps your information 100% private.
To apply for SNAP in person, you will have to visit your local Arkansas DHS Office and complete an application. You can fill out the application there or drop it off at a later date.
Locate your nearest local DHS office.
You can also apply for Arkansas SNAP benefits via mail. Download the application from the links below and mail it directly to your local DHS office.
- SNAP application form (English)
- SNAP application form (Spanish)
If you don’t have internet access or need help applying for SNAP, contact the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance’s SNAP-ARK Call Center at 1-833-762-7275 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday).
A Spanish-language operator is available five days a week. You can also contact Cathy May, Director of SNAP Programs, via email at cmay@arhungeralliance.org.
How can I get help with my application?
There are multiple options available should you need help filling out your Arkansas SNAP application.
You can:
- Call the Arkansas Department of Human Services at 1-855-372-1084.
- Contact the SNAP-ARK call center at 1-833-762-7275. Their SNAP outreach team is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday). A Spanish-speaking operator is available five days a week.
- Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.
What happens after I apply for SNAP in Arkansas?
Shortly after you submit your completed Arkansas SNAP application, DHS will mail you a letter with your interview date and time. All SNAP applicants must complete an interview to be considered for benefits. Only one interview is required, and it can be done in person or over the phone. If necessary, you can choose an authorized representative to participate in the interview on your behalf.
What can I expect during my SNAP interview?
During your SNAP interview, a DHS caseworker will go over your application and make sure they have all the information needed to determine if you are eligible for SNAP benefits.
You can expect to answer questions such as:
- What is your full name and birthday?
- What is your Social Security number?
- Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
- Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
- What is your monthly income?
- Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
- What other regular bills do you have?
If you do not complete the interview, your application could be denied. If your application is denied for this reason, we recommend that you submit a new Arkansas SNAP application.
Other important tips and information when applying for SNAP in Arkansas
Once your interview is done and DHS has all the information it needs to make a decision, your application will be processed. Most Arkansas SNAP applications are processed within 30 days. Your eligibility start date is based on the day your application is received. Applications submitted after 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, on weekends, or on holidays will be considered received the next business day.
Your SNAP application may be processed sooner (within 7 days) if one or more of the following situations apply:
- Your current shelter (home/apartment) costs are more than your income and liquid resources.
- Your household has $100 or less in cash, bank accounts, or other liquid resources and less than $150 in countable income.
- You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker and your household has little or no income at the time you apply for SNAP.
DHS will send you a letter in the mail to tell you if you are approved for or denied SNAP benefits. If you’re approved, an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card will be mailed to you within 30 days. It works like a debit card that allows you to access the benefits in your SNAP account. Funds are loaded on your EBT card each month (and can roll over month to month).
If you think you were wrongfully denied SNAP benefits, you can file an appeal. Information on this process will be included in your denial letter.
- Provide accurate information: In your application and/or interview, make sure the details you provide are 100% accurate. Don't give false information or hide information to get benefits your household is not entitled to. Doing so can disqualify you from receiving SNAP benefits, either temporarily or permanently.
- Stay on top of DHS correspondence: Expect to receive several notices from DHS regarding your Arkansas SNAP application. Some might look alike, but each one contains important information and may require your response. Read every notice carefully from start to finish.
- Make sure to reply quickly: Respond promptly if DHS asks for more details or specific documents. Deadlines will be highlighted in these requests, so make sure you're timely. Quick and complete responses can ensure your SNAP application moves smoothly without unnecessary delays.
- Take action if you haven’t heard from DHS: If 30 days pass without any update or notification regarding your application, take action. Log in to your Arkansas Access account to check the status of your application, or call DHS directly at 1-855-372-1084. Being proactive can make all the difference in receiving your SNAP benefits decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
BenefitsCheckUp can help you assess whether you can get help from programs before you apply. Answer questions anonymously to find out if you may be eligible for key benefits programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help, among others.
